FAA Notice – Change CGZ Communication Procedures

As discussed in at our last meeting. The FAA does not agree with our previously published CGZ GPS approach instructions. I received a certified letter from them today.  In general this has to do with when to be on CTAF and when to be on the Practice Area frequency 122.85.

I’ve removed our recommendation at the request of the FAA. However, I have great concern on this topic. I’m concerned on what people are ACTUALLY doing. As we discussed, this area needs to be COMPLETELY evaluated for REAL world safety concerns. I’ve invited the FSDO to our next meeting, they have not yet accepted.

I’ve attached their letter here for your review and comments. I believe an open and honest conversation on this topic is warranted.

FAA Practice Area Notice

Popularity: 58%

Casa Grande (CGZ) Practice Instrument Approach Procedures

The AFTW is concerned about the mid-air collision hazard that exists at Casa Grande Airport and the area around the Stanfield VORTAC (TFD).  There is a large number of students practicing instrument approaches to Casa Grande, as well as VFR and IFR traffic transitioning between southern Arizona and the Phoenix area.  The AFTW has taken the initiative to develop and distribute standardized procedures to increase safety and reduce the chance of an accident or incident in the Casa Grande/Stanfield area.  We ask that all pilots adhere to these standardized procedures.  Please contact the AFTW with questions or concerns.

Switch Frequencies at TAFYE
(Added 8-20-07) When flying the GPS 23 approach into Casa Grande, pilots should make position reports on 122.85 until crossing TAFYE inbound on the approach. At that point switch over to 122.70 (CGZ CTAF) for position reports.


Popularity: 2%